Many expectant mothers are increasingly confronted with sleep disorders as they become pregnant. This condition is called pregnant insomnia. This is a special type of insomnia that occurs during the bearing of the baby and is directly related to pregnancy, after childbirth this problem basically disappears. It is associated with an excess of emotions, tension associated with the upcoming birth and subsequent care for the baby, as well as the physical sensations of a significantly changed body. The basis for the prevention of sleep disorders is non-drug measures and psychotherapy, taking drugs, especially sleeping pills, is prohibited at this time.
Causes of carotid disorders: hormones, discomfort
Sleep problems often arise from the first trimester, but they reach a maximum by the last weeks of gestation. Hormonal changes contribute to this, especially an increase in the concentration of progesterone, which has multifaceted effects. It causes an increase in drowsiness during the day due to relaxation of the walls of blood vessels and a decrease in pressure. Then at night, he can provoke insomnia or a superficial sleep, gradually preparing the expectant mother for the upcoming frequent awakenings. In fact, these are the first steps in the formation of the maternal instinct in the form of superficial sleep in order to hear the call of a baby who woke up hungry (wet, sick).
It is difficult to fall asleep due to the inconvenience caused by a large stomach, the development of pain in the back or legs. Stirring and kicks of the baby significantly interfere with good sleep, if the mother lay down uncomfortably, as well as constant visits to the toilet, arising from the pressure of the large uterus on the bottom of the bladder. The occurrence of heartburn, bouts of spasms of the calf muscles, itching of the skin of the abdomen and hips, where it is most stretched, as well as attacks of hunger at night, significant breathing problems due to squeezing the diaphragm with the bottom of the uterus, make it difficult to sleep.
The role of emotions and experiences in sleep disorders
Often, the expectant mother feels quite well, physical changes do not cause her discomfort. However, sleep disturbances cause strong emotions associated with the new situation, constant stress, severe fatigue towards the end of the gestation period, as well as fears of childbirth, pain, worries about the future.
Often overwhelming emotions do not give rest during the day, due to which the process of falling asleep is stretched for a long time. Sometimes women are disturbed by nightmares, experiences with gestation, especially if there was previously a bad experience in bearing a baby (miscarriage, stillbirth). But positive emotions, if they are excessive, also interfere with sleep, a woman wants to have time to do everything, buy and collect, and she just does not sit still and cannot sleep. In some cases, excess sleep during the day prevents sleep at night.
Symptoms of Sleep Disorders
Symptoms of pregnant insomnia include a whole group of manifestations. First of all, when laying on a night’s sleep, the expectant mother tosses and turns, she does not manage to quickly and calmly fall asleep. In case of sleep disturbances, a constant turning from side to side, moods, irritability, is typical, especially if the urge to urinate is disturbing and there is a need to get out of bed. It is typical for pregnant insomnia to wake up early in the morning, followed by drowsiness during the day, sleep disturbances with insomnia at night and an irresistible desire to sleep during the day. At night, there is a shallow sleep, despite fatigue, painful thoughts, fears, and health problems prevail.
Diagnosis and treatment of carotid disorders during pregnancy
Diagnosis of insomnia during pregnancy is based on typical complaints of sleep disturbances. A woman complains that she falls asleep for a long time, sleeps poorly, and often wakes up. A doctor’s examination is necessary and the exclusion of painful causes that can complicate pregnancy and affect sleep. Ultrasound and CTG of the fetus, assessment of the state of the placenta are shown.
What to do with insomnia during pregnancy? First of all, it is important not to take any herbs and medicines without the permission of the doctor. This can harm the fetus and the health of the mother. The correct regimen of the day, timely rise and release, the rejection of stressful situations and physical exertion, the use of the bedroom only for sleep, so as not to recall insomnia and not be afraid of it, help a lot. It is important to abandon the habit of simply lying in bed, watching TV or reading in it. If pregnancy is accompanied by sleep disturbances, for the time you need to abandon the habit of sleeping during the day, usually sleep better at night.
Pregnant help: do I need medication?
Help from loved ones is important – talk about nightmares at night with family or friends, with a psychologist, talk out your fears and let them go. It is useful during the day to do simple gymnastics, walk and breathe oxygen, swim, dance. You need to give up plenty of food for the night, take a warm bath or shower with lavender, drink less at night. Before going to bed, you can drink a glass of warm milk or herbal tea (chamomile, mint), eat a piece of chicken or turkey (meat is rich in tryptophan, useful for sleeping). It is important in the afternoon to refuse tea and coffee, to eliminate all irritating factors.
Medicines against insomnia in pregnant women are not used. If necessary, the doctor will prescribe sedatives, medicines based on herbal components with magnesium, motherwort, valerian, herbal remedies for sleep. Hypnotic drugs during pregnancy are strictly prohibited – they have pronounced teratogenic effects, it is forbidden to take them even once.
Prevention
Constant lack of sleep leads to irritability, emotionality and the threat of termination of pregnancy. Bad sleep disturbs well-being, leads to injuries of pregnant women due to carelessness, violates the usual rhythm of life, therefore, prevention of the problem is important. In order for the sleep to be healthy, it is important to observe the regimen of the day, monitor weight, eat right, take vitamins. For the prevention of sleep disorders, it is important to get a rational load, go to bed correctly, use extra pillows, and not sleep on your stomach and back.
Sometimes the prevention of sleep disorders includes massage and relaxation procedures, creating a climate conducive to sleep in the bedroom, refusing bad thoughts and self-hypnosis. It is important to choose comfortable sleepwear and bedding, walk for a long time before going to bed.